Pro-Am mini golf tournament at The Shack Oct. 6

The Shack will host its first Pro-Am mini golf tournament, The Autumn Classic, Saturday, Oct. 6. Open practice starts at 9:30 a.m., and the tournament officially tees off at 11 a.m. In the event of heavy rain, it will be held Saturday, Oct. 20. Music will be held on the deck after the tournament.

Elmer Lawson, a member of the U.S. Pro Mini Golf Association since 1994, is helping Shack co-owner Lisa Alcala organize the event.

“I was surprised there was such a network of mini golf players. People are coming from other parts of the area such as Harrisburg, as well as neighboring states like New Jersey to play on the professional side of the event,” Alcala said.

Lawson, who’s also a member of the USPMGA’s Team USA, said professional mini golf tournaments are held throughout the country. The national association is headquartered in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Like regular golf, there’s a Master’s Tournament — the 22nd annual USPMGA Master’s Tournament will be held Oct. 11 to 13 in Myrtle Beach. He said last year one player shot a 21 for 18 holes.

“I prefer mini golf. It takes a lot less time to play than regular golf, and it’s more fun. It’s also a family game, and can be competitive for the whole family,” Lawson said, “There’s also no age limit. We’ve had kids as young as 3 years old, as well as seniors playing. For seniors who have played regular golf, but can no longer do so, mini golf is a way to use putting skills they’ve learned and to have some fun.”

At the pro level, regular golf balls are used instead of the colored golf balls found at most mini golf courses. Players may bring their own putters. And, at the hole, each player finishes play before the next one begins play. The number of players in a tournament can range from 16 to 104, depending on what the individual course can hold.

In a Pro-Am tournament, Lawson said pros and amateurs may be teamed together.

“By mixing it up, the less experienced players can learn from the more experienced players,” he said.

He acknowledged that sometimes amateurs are a bit nervous or intimidated when they’re paired with pros.

“It may seem intimidating, but it’s an opportunity for all the players to learn,” Lawson said. “I like teaching people; it makes it more fun. Also sometimes the local players have a bit of an advantage; they know the course. The most important thing is not being afraid to play.”

He said in 1995, he first began playing for Team USA. He placed fourth in his first tournament, and won both the second and third tournaments he played. While tournaments are held nationwide, he prefers those held in the northeast.

“We have fun with the sport,” he said. “Down south they’re more serious.”

He learned about The Shack, 662 S. Oak St., Manheim, through co-workers at Johnson & Johnson in Lititz.

“I like the course at The Shack because it’s a hard, long course, and I like challenges,” he said.

Alcala said 77 is par for the course, and the current course record is 70.

“We’re excited to host this event and hope that some local players will participate. It’s not too late to sign up,” she said.

Cost is $25 for the pro level and $15 for amateur level. All ages are welcome. Prizes for the top three finishers in each level will be awarded.

Information about The Autumn Classic at The Shack is available on The Shack Restaurant & Mini Golf Facebook page.

Rochelle Shenk is a correspondent for the Lititz Record Express. She welcomes your comments and questions at RAASHENK@aol.com.